Tomas Reveles

April7, 1937 - August 13, 2026

Tomás Gastelum Reveles, 89, beloved husband, father, brother and educator passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2026.

Tomás was born on April 7, 1937, in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of Tranquilino & Teodora Reveles, née Gastelum. A lifelong Phoenician, he was raised in the Grant Park Barrio of South Phoenix and attended Lowell School before graduating from Phoenix Union High School in 1955. He then worked his way through college before graduating from Phoenix College in 1957 and Arizona State University in 1960. He later went on to graduate from Northern Arizona University with his Master of Education in 1968.

In life Tomás chose a path of service to others. After graduating from ASU, he taught school in Apache Junction for several years before moving to Washington State with fellow Arizona educators, Gil Chavez, Hank Diaz, Richard Zazueta and Allan Apodoca to lead the Migrant Farmworker Education Program. Upon returning to Phoenix in the 1970’s he began investing in real estate and joined the US EEOC as an investigator. After retiring from the US EEOC, Tomás returned to teaching in South Phoenix where he ultimately retired as an educator. Along the way, he served as an advocate on several boards and organizations related to labor, education and social justice and as a mentor to aspiring professionals and students alike.

A lifelong sports and fitness enthusiast, Tomás excelled in strength training, golf and the occasional game of poker. He was particularly proud of bench pressing over 500 pounds at over 50 years of age and scoring a hole-in-one at the Pepperwood Golf Course. Known for his brawny build and distinctive beard, Tomás is best remembered by friends and family for his dry sense of humor and for being outspoken, fearless and formidable in the face of adversity.

Tomás is survived by his loving wife, Esperanza and sons Tomas G Reveles (Nancy) and Nathanael Reveles. He is also survived by the following siblings, Crisostomo (Sonny), Natalie (Mardie), Maria Elisa, Dora, Linda, Teresa and Blanca.

He is preceded in death by his brothers Tranquilino (Junior), Julian and Paul and sisters Helen and Lupe.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Details will be shared as they become available.